"Wade is already a fantastic, important player in this team. He will continue to learn, he’s still a youngster."

Only four South African wickets fell yesterday. All chances are gold in Adelaide, but more so in searing heat against a desperate champion with Australia a bowler down following James Pattinson's season-ending side strain.

Five-Test keeper Wade, 24, looked to the heavens in exasperation after dropping debutant bogeyman du Plessis on 94 standing up to Ben Hilfenhaus (1-65) at the stumps before tea.

Charismatic man of the match du Plessis, who tripped over his shoelaces going to bat in South Africa's first innings, would survive another 99 balls to secure a draw and demoralise an exhausted Australia.

The Test was in the balance at 5-212 and Wade must have felt the sinking feeling that consumed former South African opener Herschelle Gibbs who "dropped the World Cup" in 1999 by prematurely celebrating a catch off Steve Waugh at Headingley.

Stonewalling all-rounder du Plessis had chased a Hilfenhaus away swinger and edged, but Wade rose quickly and couldn't hold a ball that tumbled from the bottom of his gloves on the last ball of the 117th over.

Wade also fluffed an easy stumping chance off Smith on 46 - stranded metres out of his crease in the tourists’ first dig. Smith would punish Australia and chew up valuable time with his 26th Test ton in 244 balls.

Wade, who officially deposed Brad Haddin as keeper this series, is finding how mentally demanding and exacting Test cricket can be despite a 57-match first-class apprenticeship and impressive maiden ton (106) against West Indies at Roseau in April.

Wade has 43 runs at 21 this series - less than Pattinson with 71 while deposed Haddin is the only batsman to post two Sheffield Shield tons - back playing for New South Wales this season.

Test keeping great Ian Healy said Wade "would be hurting" after yesterday's error, but the young custodian shouldn't carry the can for Australia's struggle.

"It is a tough game. Sometimes they stick but they can also clang out," Healy said.

"He came up early, but had to stick down on focus on the ball. He is no villain for mine."

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